Neil Hrab: Prince jets to Tokyo to deliver anti-emisions message - Full Comment

I'm no expert on emissions -- but wouldn't the kind of strict carbon austerity needed to bring this about include a massive reduction in conventional air travel (at least until new, cleaner forms of air transit come into use) -- including for passengers of Royal blood?

The Prince could have delivered his Tokyo speech by hologram, like he did in the UAE -- especially since it sounded pretty much like all the other speeches he has ever delivered on climate change.

He could have set an example for others by demonstrating how new technology means long-range travel isn't always necessary when someone important has to give a speech.

But he didn't. Instead, he boarded a private jet and delivered a lecture calling for sacrifice and for carbon austerity -- sacrifice and austerity that will be borne mainly by average people who don't get to fly in private jets.

There's a giant, glaring disconnect here.

The Prince's Tokyo speech looks like what British sports fans would call an "own goal."